Destin Real Estate News and Blog - Destin Real Estate News

One Step Closer to a Bigger Brooks Bridge

Quite the crowd gathered for the recent meeting to discuss options for replacing or enlarging the Brooks Bridge in downtown Fort Walton Beach. The bridge was constructed in 1964 with an expected 50-year design life. It no longer meets current design standards with deficiencies in the Disabilities Act requirements and navigational clearance for this portion of the Intracoastal Waterway.

The Proposal

The objective is to achieve this larger bridge with the least intrusion into downtown Fort Walton Beach, or the destruction of the Publix shopping center and the Emerald Coast Convention Center. The Florida Department of Transportation presented a plan for a new bridge with the following attributes:

• Three-lane bridge (currently 2 lanes)
• Wide bike…

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Breaking Ground at Landmark Center, Fort Walton Beach

It looks like the proposed Landmark Center in Downtown Fort Walton Beach will finally be a reality. Preliminary permits have been issued to begin construction on the foundation. Currently a 2.1 acre, empty field at Miracle Strip Parkway and Perry Avenue, this project has been in the planning stages since 2006 and is arriving with mixed reviews. Some say that this is only adding to the congestion of an already busy intersection. Others are happy for the new life it will bring to downtown Fort Walton Beach.

Landmark Center Quick Facts

The development will measure 144,000 square feet and be divided into three separate buildings that will include:

• 112-room Hilton Hotel
• 24 Loft-style condos
• Conference Center
• Retail and Dining Space
…

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How to Get Accepted for a Mortgage

You Could be Rewarded for Good Behavior

If you're planning on a real estate purchase in the near or distant future, it might be worth taking a look at your bill-paying habits. You might be rewarded for your good behavior. When it comes to credit, are you a "transactor" or a "revolver?"

With upcoming changes to the mortgage credit report by Fannie Mae, these terms could mean the difference between getting accepted for a mortgage, or not.

A transactor is someone who pays their credit card bills in full each month, or pays on time and exceeds the minimum requirement.

A revolver is the person who only makes the minimum payment, allowing balances to constantly roll over to the next month. They may also have several accounts on the go.

This…

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Buyer's Tip: Realtors Make Great Matchmakers

Part of our service as realtors is to play matchmaker for our clients. Once we have a good idea of the type of home or condo a buyer is looking for, then we use our knowledge of the area and the local market to find the perfect match.

In the example below, a client has sent us a request with very specific parameters for a Destin harbor condo, and we've responded with some equally specific listing ideas.

Tim,

My husband and I are interested in a condo as a second home (and then primary after we retire) and preferably in the Destin Harbor area. We have vacationed to the Emerald Coast many times and so, fairly familiar with the area. Ideally, the property would fit within the following parameters:

1. $600K - $750K
2. Bedrooms: 3-4
3. …

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Seller's Tip: Does Your Realtor Do Half the Job?

During peak seasons, including spring break and April, experienced Destin Realtors understand that vacation homes and condos must be shown to buyers between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. This time frame, called the "turnover", is when the property is vacant as last weeks guest leave and next week's new renters arrive.

Last week, I had a serious buyer in town that was interested in looking at seven condos in the Destin area. We were able to schedule five viewings without any difficulty. However, two agents were unwilling to work Saturday, so their clients missed an opportunity to sell. 

One agent sent me a text that said "Can not do it this weekend, or Monday morning. Plan on an open house on Wednesday. Maybe that will work."

While the other agent said "I…

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Destin Beachfront Condos Under $400,000

Destin beachfront condos are surprising affordable. You'll find plenty of quality listings to choose from in today's market. By starting your search with a beachfront property, you're going to get the best return for your money. These are, by far the most sought after types of real estate on the Emerald Coast.

Here are a few of our favorite choices for Destin beachfront condos under $400,000:

Summerwind West: 8573 Gulf Blvd. 702, Navarre, FL - $395,000 - MLS# 742323

This Navarre condominium in Summerwind West is truly a hidden gem. Just minutes from the excitement of Destin, your beachfront condo is a sanctuary that you can return to each day. Take the private walkway to the quiet, uncrowded beach or spend an afternoon fishing, or wildlife…

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Get in on Pre-Construction Condo Opportunities in Destin FL

Occasionally a new Destin condo opportunity comes along that allows buyers to take advantage of pre-construction pricing. Getting in early also gives buyers the chance to pick their own colors and features, and personalize their new condominium. New construction also means condos are built according to the latest wind, structural and environmental codes. One final benefit, a new build can take anywhere from 1-3 years, which may give buyers a bit of leeway with their financial plan or budget.

Here are three such condos along the Scenic 30A.

Blu Condominiums, Fort Walton Beach

Location: Santa Rosa Boulevard & Scallop Court, Okaloosa Island

Just when you thought there was no room for another condo on Okaloosa Island, along comes Blu…

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Resort-Style Townhouse Living in Destin

The Brownstones at Kelly Plantation & 125 Crystal Beach Drive

For anyone seeking a low maintenance lifestyle in a resort setting, have we got news for you. Two exciting new Destin townhome developments are are now available - 125 Crystal Beach Drive and The Brownstones at Kelly Plantation. These are also ideal for anyone looking for a ground floor investment opportunity. 

125 Crystal Beach Drive

125 Crystal Beach Drive is a resort-style townhome located in the Gulf front community of Crystal Beach. The townhomes are situated 3 blocks from the water, but walking distance to local shops and restaurants. Panera Bread, Starbucks or the AMC Movie Theater are all just a short walk. Pricing starts at $309,000.

Choose from two floor plans:

Sea…

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Emerald Coast Beaches Voted Among Best in the U.S.

Trip Advisor has just released the winners for the 2016 Top 25 Beaches in the U.S. Four of the selected beaches were from our beautiful Emerald Coast!

Pensacola Beach

Pensacola Beach is located south of the actual town of Pensacola on the barrier island of Santa Rosa Island. Home to a large snowbird population in the winter, Pensacola Beach is also great for families. The bar and tourist scene is much tamer here, with nothing but miles of seashore to explore. Walk barefoot on the soft white beach and find out why Pensacola Beach has been nicknamed "the talking sands," due to the high quartz content.

Panama City Beach

With 27 miles of white sand and two State Parks Panama City Beach prides itself on expansive, clean beaches. Walk for miles…

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DESTIN REAL ESTATE UPDATE - January 2016

This Destin real estate update gives you a snapshot of home, condo and land sales in Destin FL and the surrounding Emerald Coast areas for January, 2016.

Destin Homes

Destin home sales decreased slightly when compared to last year. However, much of the change can be attributed to new lending rules that delayed up to 20% of our closings. While the average sales price in Destin was $888,000, over half the homes sold, closed below $443,000.

Homes in 30A East, which includes the neighborhoods of WaterColor, Seaside, WaterSound, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach; posted an impressive average sales price at $1,051,548.

Most Expensive Home Sold: $6,200,000 for a beautiful beachfront home in Destin

Least Expensive Home Sold: $100,000 for a log…

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